1. Gotta love Libba
It’s been said on many-an-occasion over the past couple of years, but Tom Liberatore’s teammates walk a little taller when he’s around.
He’s a much-loved figure at the Kennel. And has been an extremely important player now for a number of years.
Liberatore will play his 150th AFL game on Sunday.
The son of club legend Tony has forged his own path in red, white and blue. He’s overcome two serious knee injuries, which wiped out his 2015 and 2018 seasons.
He won a Charles Sutton Medal, in 2014. A premiership, in 2016. And made an Ashes century at the MCG – apparently – on that famous Saturday in October.
Well played, Libba.
Here’s hoping the Bulldogs fans have added reason to celebrate his contribution by Sunday night.
2. Nic Nat challenge
Stefan Martin and Tim English passed their first test last week, against Collingwood star Brodie Grundy.
They’ll have another huge challenge this week, in West Coast’s Nic Naitanui.
The athletic Eagle is – like Grundy – one of the best in the business.
And with the visitors missing a couple of star onballers, Naitanui’s influence on the game becomes all the more important.
But in Martin and English, the Bulldogs now have a ruck duo capable of throwing up different challenges. And if they can do similarly to last week, they’ll give the Bulldogs’ midfield every chance to control the game.
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3. Backs’ tall challenge
The Bulldogs have backed in their back line and resisted any temptation to bring back Easton Wood, after holding Collingwood to just seven goals last week.
Alex Keath – who will play his 50th AFL game – and Ryan Gardner were strong in the key posts and supported by Bailey Williams, who spent time on Pies tall Mason Cox.
The Bulldogs will have some tall timber to contend with inside the Eagles’ 50 this week.
Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are one of the best key forward duos in the business. Add to them emerging big man Oscar Allen and a resting ruckman in Naitanui or Nathan Vardy, and the Bulldogs will have to be at their very best in the air to back up last week’s result.
4. Best in the business
Two of the competition’s best kicks will have a big impact on this game.
The Bulldogs love to get the ball in the hands of reigning Charles Sutton Medallist and All Australian, Caleb Daniel, much like the Eagles with their skipper, Shannon Hurn.
For different reasons, they both pose a threat.
Daniel’s creativity and elite skill – off either foot – helps open up the game for those around him and turn defence into attack.
For Hurn, it’s his ability to penetrate and hit targets with his booming right foot.
You probably won’t see them go head-to-head at the same contest, but this looms as an interesting battle.
